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Odor's rise makes Garcia expendable

Odor's rise makes Garcia expendable

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Rougned Odor has the tools to be an above-average second baseman in the future

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- The emergence of infielder Rougned Odor allowed the Rangers to send Leury Garcia to the White Sox for Alex Rios.

Odor, signed two years ago out of Venezuela, is only 19, but he was promoted to Double-A Frisco a couple of weeks ago and is hitting .326 (14-for-43) with four doubles and three home runs in 10 games for the RoughRiders. He was promoted from Class A Myrtle Beach, where he was hitting .303 with 33 doubles, four triples, five home runs, 58 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 99 games.

He's the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Rangers' farm system behind catcher Jorge Alfaro and infielder Luis Sardinas, according to MLB.com. But with Jurickson Profar in the big leagues and Mike Olt having been traded to the Cubs, some Rangers officials believe Odor is the top position-player prospect in the farm system. He was brought up by other clubs in multiple trade talks, including by the Cubs during the Matt Garza discussions.

Garcia had split the season between Triple-A Round Rock and the Rangers, hitting .192 in 25 games at the big league level and .264 in the Minors. But he emerged as a top prospect last season after hitting .292 with 31 stolen bases at Frisco.

"Leury is a big league player," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's got a unique skill set you just don't see very much -- plus run, plus arm, switch-hit, and can play shortstop, second base and center field. Given our depth in those spots, he's probably got a better opportunity now with Chicago, and I wish him well. A great job by our international program."